The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-01-07
Sons Of Bradford In Chicago,
Mol.
JAMES l.. WOODWARD.

many notable VermOnters In Chicago
IN different papers in Vermont, and
now mention another for the purpose
of letting your readers know what he
has accomplished here in the metropo-
lis OF the West, amid sea of intelli-
gencc, experience and business ability.
| refer to Hon. James l.. Woodward
who was born at Bradford, Orange
county, in the year 1886. His father,
John b. Woodward, was prominent
man there; he had family of six
children, all of whom have died, eX.
cept the subject of this mention, now
the only survivor of that excellent
Vermont family. He has recently re-
turned from his native town where he
has been to attend the funeral Of his
late sister who died there few days
ago. His mother was Miranda Little,
a daughter of James Little of Camp.
ton, N. IL. He was educated at Brad
ford Academy and choosing q bust
ness life, came to Chicago in 1858, and
joined the house of Keith Brothers,
Gall VermOnters) extensive dealers in
millinery goods, hats, caps and gents
furnishing goods. He has been a
member OF that firm since and until
1884. 1t is now Edison Keith & Co.,
and one of the largest establishments
Of the kind in the world, doing all an
nual business of many millions of dol
lars, and James l.. Woodward has
been an important factor in directing
and assisting in managing it. l will
state just here that this business has
grown to such proportions that mag
niticent new structure, six stories high,
will be occupied by them about the
first of January next, for the exclu-
sive use of the wholesale hat and cap
department, under the immediate man
agement OF Mr.. Woodward, the firm
being Keith Brothers & Co. He has
other important interests and invest
ments, is director and stakeholder in
the Metropolitan National Bank of
which Verlnonter, Elbridge G.. ke tn
is the president, the other Keiths stock
holders, and nearly all are Vermonters.
He is also large stakeholder in the
banking, loan and bond house of Pres
ton Il Co., and largely interested in
the silk manufacturing company of
Belden & Co., and has other invest
ments, all evidencIng that he is man
Of large means, acquired, as he can
have the proud satisfaction of know
ing, by his own capacity, energy, in
telligence, sagacity, integrity and bust
ness tact; by the exercise of which he
has attained to a high position among
the foremost, most prominent and en-
terprising men in commercial circles
i'll Chicago, and in contributing in va
rious ways to whatever tends to the adj
vancemcnt and well being of the mate
rial and moral interests of this great
city, and to such men as James l..
Woodward, Chicago is indebted for its
commanding position on this continent
as the commercial center of the ener-
gies of the great West, and as the place
of origin of many master strokes in
business and commerce. He evidently
started out from his native town of
Bradford with an eye on business
career and will bent upon winning
and excelHng 1.-THE has won and ext
celled. While he isa thorough and de-
voted business man, he is active in pol
itics; is chairman of the Cook county
Central Republican committee and was
chairman of the executive committee
of the former which conducted the
last fall, which resulted in
all overwhelming republican victory i'll
this city and county. While he is ac-
tive in politics, as stated. the reader
must understand that he is not of the
ancient order of politicians he engage
es in politics not as professional
or for his own aggrandize-
ment, but as matter of duty as a citi-
zen and extensive business man inter-
ested in the welfare of Chicago and
the state Of Illinois. He has a knowl-
edge of the wants of the people of
his city, state and nation, gained from
observation and study of situations
and knowledge of the theory Of pub
ic affairs and as to how they should be
and advantageously conduct
I'd. His successful management of
he last campaign, as stated above,
evidenced the possession of deep and
.rtful strategem and planning, of a
,ar-seeing intelligence, the result of
he application Of which was seen in
he victory achieved. He is a politi-
ian, if he may be called one, OF high
rider as cOntradistinguished from
hose petty politicians who, in olden
AhiOSs WSiO OoiiOu PohuiCOS1OiS' liz I
las proven Nestor in his assistance
nd guidance in the management of
he political affairs of this county and
tate. H. possesses the elements al
lost sure to win success, if wisely di-
ected, in any undertaking-energy, :
itality, keen intelligence and percep-
ion, geniallty and executive ability
with difficulties, as they
rise. he overcomes them one by one
nd i'm the hour of success is the same .
uiet, dignified man: overeXulting in
either the overthrow of an opponent
or the success of friend; his own
'iumphs in any direction have never
ad him to forget himself in exultation.
lis friends have often suggested his
anne for important and high offices, .
ut he has as often declined the prof Z
cred honor, as his immense business
terests require his personal and al .
ost undivided attention. His hand a
Ould be missed if taken from the q
elm in the great business house where
, has been SO long and where his
rerv annparanco is that of n succaSS-